“Keys And Strings” is the highly-anticipated third solo CD from smooth jazz artist Tyrone Douglas. “Road Trip” and “New Age” are the previous CDs for this native of Huntsville, Alabama. He played bass on another recording, as part of well-known local jazz band Abstract. Tyrone has played guitar and keyboards for a number a years, which is featured on his solo CDs.
“Keys And Strings” has 11 tracks, and finds this multi-instrumentalist concentrating on the piano/keyboards type sound. The string parts come from his listening to symphonic music and guitar. He feels there’s a certain classiness associated with this kind of music, considering keys and strings being included in most of the music heard in the U.S. Tyrone wanted to tap into this.
The lineup for “Keys And Strings” includes Tyrone’s good friend Dana Fletcher (his guitar brother), with a band of his own. Tyrone has played in The Dana Fletcher Band off and on for several years now, and feels Dana is a fine guitarist. He is excited about having him on the CD.
Good friend and fellow bandmate Walter Robinson is back for a third round on tenor saxophone. He is featured on the short track “Sax Keys”. Walter helped highlight the sound of keys. Tyrone says, “If you listen closely, you will notice the sound of him actually pressing the keys on his saxophone. I really enjoy the realism this lends to the music, as if you were right there with him while he plays.”
Tyrone’s daughter, Lauren, makes her singing debut on “Keys And Strings”. Naturally, the proud dad is thrilled, and feels she did a great job.
Rounding out the lineup is special guest guitarist Rick Ward, who has played with the best of the best, and brings a style all his own. What Rick calls his “tic attack” guitar part is heard on the track “Thinking Of You”.
Tyrone is on the move. He’s developed his own style and sound, which is heard throughout “Keys And Strings” – a CD well-worth checking out.